Now that the Eastern Orthodox Church has commemorated our Lord's
Ascension,we now humbly prepare spiritually to commemorate Holy
Pentecost which is always celebrated Fifty Days after our Lord's Holy
Glorious Resurrection.This year in the Holy Orthodox Church Holy
Pentecost is on June 7th which is always celebrated on a Sunday. The
following day being Monday is the commemoration of the Holy Spirit. This
day is called: "Monday of the Holy Spirit".

Not only is this feast day of Holy Pentecost and that of the Holy
Spirit spiritually observed, but also the faithful in the Orthodox
Church prepare afterwards for the Holy Apostles Fast which begins on June
15th and conclude son June 30th. The feast of Ss. Peter and Paul is also
commemorated on June 29th.

Holy Pentecost in the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the founding of
the Christian church. According to holy scripture, the the Holy Spirit
descended upon Christ's holy Apostles to enable them to spread
His message throughout the world. Read Acts 2:1-4.

One of the holy Fathers of the Church St. Gregory Nazianzus writes
regarding the "Descent of the Holy Spirit" in this manner: "And indeed
from the Spirit comes our new birth, and from the new birth our new
creation, and from the new creation our deeper knowledge of the dignity
of Him from whom it is derived ...Look at these facts: Christ is born;
the Spirit is His forerunner. He leads Him up. He works miracles; the
Spirit accompanies them. He ascends; the Spirit takes His place."
May our Heavenly Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, abide in you always and
save our souls.

Amen.

In The Love Of Christ Our Lord,
+ Rev. Father Demetrios Serfes
Who prays for you and with you!
June 1998